INDIANAPOLIS -- Boeing will equip its MQ-25 Stingray unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) with a Rolls-Royce engine. The new UCAV will operate from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The Pentagon believes the UCAV is a revolutionary combat capability.
On August 30, the U.S. Navy selected Boeing to build the MQ-25 Stingray, awarding an $805 million contract for engineering and manufacturing development of four prototype air vehicles. The Navy could acquire 72 MQ-25s, but this program could result in the manufacture of more than 200 UCAVs.
The MQ-25 will refuel fighters, allowing strike aircraft to remain aloft longer and fly farther from a carrier. The MQ-25 Stingray contract could be worth $20 billion.